Fear Factor!

Last week, after returning from our great fishing trip, down on the coast, Randy Travis, a big, sweet, six-year old, wannabe bird dog—came up with a new bad habit! In the past, from time to time, usually during full moons—Randy would jump out of his pen and run around the ranch—creating havoc, but now he does it every morning, as soon as Tony leaves the ranch—to go to Medina, to drink coffee with his friends and the old timers.

Last Saturday, Tony and I were discussing Randy’s new form of entertainment, and came up with a solution that works! Since Sunday, Tony now takes Randy, and his roommate, Happy, to town with him every morning, and the dogs seem to really be enjoying it! At last, there is peace in the valley!

I received a very funny e the other day from a friend, that I haven’t heard from in a very long time, who has never been to Texas, and I want to share it with you.

Hi Nancy---I finally received your book from Barnes and Noble. I am reading a little bit every day as part of my morning ablutions. You write well and your memory for detail is impressive. No Alzheimer's there!

However, after reading about baby rattlesnakes, vicious wild hogs, porcupines, and fatal tractor-eating floods this city slicker is beginning to have second thoughts about coming down in January. Maybe I should celebrate my birthday someplace safer---like Fallujah!

My response:

Your note has me laughing as I type! In fact, I'm still laughing! Please don't be a scaredy cat—and do come to Texas! The rattlesnakes are gone for now, and they won't come back until May, the wild hogs are really neat and they only attack—to protect their babies, and the babies aren't due until April. As far as the porcupines go—they only come out at night—unless they're rabid—and if that's the case—they are harmless unless they bite you or you fall on one of them. We flooded last summer, and received over 40 inches of rain and we probably won't see water again— until March hopefully, and right now—we are in a drought, again. Personally, I think coming in January will be the safest time for a visit. (I am laughing, so hard right now—I just snorted!!!)

I hope that you will face your fears as I am! If I can go on a 28 hour vacation, ride over tall bridges and survive a ride on a ferryboat without getting seasick— I know you can come to Texas. Don’t worry—I’ll protect you! Just bring a big stick.

P.S. No kidding, January really is the best time to visit, because hunting season will be over and you don’t have to worry about getting shot, and the fire ants, scorpions and wasps will be in hibernation until March! So start packin’! Face your fears!